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Showing posts from January, 2008

General Update

I realized this week that its been a while since I posted a general update. I do this in part to help me prioritize in my mind what is going on. First and foremost in my mind right now is that everything has been turned into BOOM for my interview in February. I am excited to finally get this far in the process, but I am also very anxious. Its hard to work so hard and so long to have to look towards a meeting where the people on the board could require me to do more things (as if my schedule was that flexible) or stop me completely in the process. I guess when it gets down to it the latter of the two options is the one that makes me the most anxious. I have also told the DS in this district that I was not seeking a re-appointment. True I'm hoping for a two point charge which would make me full time at church work, but I am also willing to do one year as part time (which is allowed if I am probationary). My job as a TSS has also been occupying my thoughts lately. Last week I

Political Rant

This is just a brief rant today, I've been thinking lately how frustrated I am with people who are overly concerned about me voting. Yes I vote and at the moment will continue to do so, but I find the people who ask me about voting tend to like me less when I step in and say I don't like any politician. Let me say that again I don't like any politician. They are (by and large) rich spoiled brats. They don't know what its like to buy, oatmeal, or mac and cheese to eat because its the only thing you can afford. I will come flat out and say that I don't like anyone who currently has their sights on the presidency. God knows we could use someone peaceful, wise, just, and noble in the role of President, but from what I see that ain't happening. So for anyone who reads this don't remind me to vote unless you want an ear full.

Dune: The Butlerian Jihad, Brian Herbert

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At the beginning of this week I completed one of the books I received for Christmas from my wife. I had read the original Dune series a few years ago and at the recommendation of a co-worker at the printing plant this summer I picked up House Atreidies. Needless to say I read that book very quickly and found the story to be very enjoyable over all. I had the same expectations for Butlerian Jihad when I started and I was not disappointed. The novel itself was very good, the story line moved well, and I can’t wait to get the second one in this trilogy to read. However I was disappointed by one thing in particular. The original Dune series is known for being a stunning work with a powerful message about ecology and our treatment of the planet. The Butlerian Jihad only briefly touched on this message particularly at the end. While that in and of itself is not bad because it is the first of a “historical” trilogy. The novel delved in to the religious aspect of the future projected

Into the Wild - Jon Krakauer

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Spoilers with-in The short book Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer is the story of a young man named Christopher McCandless. I read this story in just two day, this is not a testament to the writing quality, Jon Krakauer writes articles for Magazines and the writing in this book feels much the same as a two hundred page magazine article. That is not to say that the writing is bad, its just not difficult if that is what you are looking for. Another reason for having read the book really quickly is the actual story that it tells. My reaction to McCandless is still uncertain even though I finished the book over a week ago. McCandless abandoned a comfortable life after he graduated from college to live out the beliefs of Leo Tolstoy. A Russian writer who believed in giving up wealth and seeking experience in the common, more specifically with the common people, regrettably he didn’t live up entirely to his belief system non-the-less McCandless was inspired. He gave up his status and be